The Problem With Self-Monitoring: A Two-Sided Scale and a One-Sided Theory

Analysis of Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale identifies a reliable factor structure that does not correspond to the theoretical structure. Not only do the factors bear little resemblance to the attributes subsumed by the construct, but some of the items appear to assess a protective self-presentation style that is incongruent with the "shrewd and pragmatic" self-monitoring style. Confirmatory factor analysis of Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale suggests that it contains orthogonal higher-order factors that are best interpreted as acquisitive and protective self-monitoring. The results suggest the need for broadening self-monitoring theory to include a protective mode of self-presentation.